As an education major, there are multiple phrases I hear when I'm asked about school. There is always the awkward conversation when I bring up that I want to be a teacher, with both professionals in the field and anyone else who has an opinion (which is almost everyone). Regardless, it is always infuriating, annoying, and discouraging to hear the same thing over and over again. This probably happens in every field, but this has been my own personal experience from hell.
1. "Wow, you really want to do that?"
Yes, and please stop asking before I just walk away.
2. "You must have a lot of patience!"
I do, but not when you're questioning my life choices. I have patience with children, not you.
3. "You know you won't be making a lot, right?"
Do you know how many times I have heard this? Please stop commenting on my future financial status and my career path as a whole. I can't even keep up with my current finances!
4. "You better marry rich"
A continuation of the previous post. I think I will be doing just fine on my own, no matter who I marry, but thank you.
5. You must be excited for summers off!
Yes, planning for the upcoming year PLUS holding a job to maintain my finances (see #3) and doing all of the work for 365 days in 180. Not only am I excited for summer, but I will be working even more during it, so thanks for that reminder.
6. "Do you even have homework, or do you just do arts and crafts in class?"
I wish that was all I did, but sorry for the bad news. No, I learn about and practice how to teach, asses, and care for your future children. I'm just really good at decorating.
7. "I hate kids, I can't believe you want to be around them all day"
Good for you. Last time I checked, this was MY major/ career choice, not yours. Good thing you're not becoming a teacher!
8. It's going to be hard finding a job, huh?
I'm not thinking about it. I'M NOT THINKING ABOUT IT.
9. Your major must be really easy!
Don't even get me started. Just see above.
10. It must be like babysitting!
11. It must be nice ending your day at 3pm, you must have so much free time!
Where? What is free time? What is a weekend? I grade papers, write out assessments, and lesson plans in any spare time I have. When I'm not doing that, I am thinking about my classroom and looking up resources that I can use for my students.
